Tolus the Serpent Servant |
Tolus makes his way across the ruined sanctuary to retrieve his missed shuriken.
One broke apart on contact with one of the little cretins, and a scone had broken a blade against the far wall when he missed, but his poisoned one, thankfully, survived.
As he walks he relived the battle. It was as if he were reborn. He could feel life in him again as he had not felt in years! And he was not alone. He had companions now that he felt he could trust to, at the very least, not betray him for a favor as it had been in the house of his last master. He might even come to call this mismatched, rag-tag group friends, in time.
He returns to the group and stows his poison shuriken in his belt, just in case.
Kara |
Kara gives the newcomer a short curtsey. "Pugwumpis, or something like that. Little dog-demons that always surround gnolls, according to the local gnoll expert. Bring bad luck. I'm Kara, and thank you for your timely assistance."
Malak Al'Qaum |
Malak bows to the pretty halfling and says A pleasure Kara. I am Malak Al'Qaum. I am part of the escort for the caravan but I wanted to see these ruins for myself and I was not on duty as fortune would have it. Pugwumpis...fascinating creatures. Thankfully not immune to flame. Malak is extremely attractive but has a somewhat feral cast to his features. You see numerous tattoos on his neck and head as well as peeking out from the backs of his hands. A subtle motion occurs under his cloak on his right shoulder and he rolls his eyes and says Alright Jezebel. Yes you can meet them too. Throwing his cloak over his shoulder freeing his arm you see a large tattoo of a winged lizard on it. After a moment it begins to move and press upward before it bursts forth off of his skin. The creature is emerald green and flaps its wings a few times before settling on Malak's shoulder. It has a long whip-like tail and a long beak-like snout with rows of tiny razor sharp teeth that look like needles. It nips and nuzzles at Malak for a moment before turning very intelligent eyes upon you and the rest of the group. Jezebel, this is Kara. Kara, Jezebel. I unfortunately do not know the rest of the groups names. Jezebel preens a bit while looking at you intently and then at the rest of the group. She seems wary and cautious of you all.
Fionnbharanel |
"Hi... I'm Fionnbharanel, but you can call me Fionn." pronounced 'fin' she tosses offhandedly to Malak as she searches around. "I don't know what those shadowy things were, but they helped a lot. Thank you... and for your fire too!"
Malak Al'Qaum |
A pleasure to meet the both of you. Malak bows again. He seems to exude an air of politeness though under the surface there is a palpable menace to him as well. The smoke was just an illusion but effective all the same. As for the fire, that spell seems to come fairly easily to me when I focus on it.
Tolus the Serpent Servant |
When his turn comes about, Tolus bows exquisitely and introduces himself, "Tolus the Serpent Servant, loyal ward of Kataphesh, at your service my lord.
He matches the flying lizard's keen gaze with his own serpentine eyes unflinchingly.
"And greetings to you Jezebel. " he ads, treating her to a polite bow as if she were his equal.
Fionnbharanel |
there is more to the monastery than just the chapel portion, yes? If so, we should make sure they are all dead, collect any treasure and move on. If not, then are we done clearing the monastery then? I thought there were more rooms, doors we hadn't opened.
Fionnbharanel |
"Let's get on to these other doors then if there's nothing of value here. We've got a lot left to do here and the princess is waiting. Probably not very patiently, either, if I know princesses."
Tolus the Serpent Servant |
"Please do Malak, the more on our side the merrier."
Tolus examines a bow laying near him decides that everything here is sized far too small for him, but he picks up a dagger or two anyway, just in case he runs out of shuriken. He then makes his way to the first door on the left and prepares himself for what could be on the other side. He doesn't feel particularly unlucky anymore, so that's always a good sign.
Tolus the Serpent Servant |
"Something like that. I can't seem to get the hang of pronouncing that name for some reason."
Tolus (and I assume the party) is standing by the first door on the left from the sanctuary waiting for Taldor to breach. Which makes it right-most door on the map leading into areas A4-A8.
DaWay |
So I goofed and there was a passage way above the chapel, however I will just include that encounter later to make up for it. Sorry about that.
You enter into a courtyard area (A4) A sweeping bas-relief sculpture along the north wall depicts five bearded, larger-than-life humans riding the wind with triumph carved upon their faces. Though some of their arms and hands are missing, each is clearly meant to wield a distinctive weapon. One of the five warriors holds a large axe, while another holds a fragment of what must once have been a regal staff. In the distance, an ominous mountain looms over the quintet. East of the wall decoration, two open arches lead into small rooms off the north wall. The south wall is little more than a series of open arches that look out into an open-air courtyard.
(A7)The outer wall of the west cloister passage bears a massive carving. The central figure—the heroic man with the pointed beard—preaches to a variety of human clerics from throughout the long history of the monastery. The first image depicts the figure manifesting in a spiritual manner to a small group of pilgrims of Sarenrae. Another shows the figure conversing with a man in religious finery while the monastery itself is being constructed in the background. Thereafter follows a procession of similar poses, each depicting a visit by the bearded man and the leader of each era of the temple. The depictions of these clerics often also bear an identifying inscription, complete with dates that span the last several hundred years. The most recent carving is from thirty years ago, and while ample room remains for additional carvings on the west wall, the last thirty feet or so are completely blank.
Two open arches on opposite ends of the west wall lead out intothe ruined nave.
Malak Al'Qaum |
Perhaps an avatar. My knowledge of religious practices and beliefs are rather limited though I am afraid. Malak says while looking at the carving. Turning he speaks a word and looks around intently. Cast Detect Magic, looking for any magical emanations
Fionnbharanel |
Fionn nods vigorously. "It must be him, recounting his appearances. I would love to stay and study this further, but unfortunately, we have a far more mundane and gruesome task to finish here."
DM Immortal |
It's a 60'cone so I'm kind of scanning the whole room looking for magical auras. If I find any i will concentrate to identify what they are.
Malak Al'Qaum |
I go closer to investigate and focus my view on it trying to discern what it is. When I do I will share my findings with the group.
FYI, my grandfather is in the hospital and it isn't looking to good so I am going up to visit him so I will need to be NPC'd until probably tomorrow night at the earliest. Thanks for your understanding everyone :-)
Tolus the Serpent Servant |
FYI, my grandfather is in the hospital and it isn't looking to good so I am going up to visit him so I will need to be NPC'd until probably tomorrow night at the earliest. Thanks for your understanding everyone :-)
If you prioritized us over your grandfather I would Internet-hunt you down, find your house, and slap some sense into you. :)
DaWay |
In the courtyard, Malak finds buried beneath the dirt is a medium sized scimitar that is in desperate need of some TLC. It is rust covered, the grip is rotting away with what appears to be some sort of mold. In would be trash if not for the faint magic aura coming from it
Tolus the Serpent Servant |
Tolus takes little notice of the junky sword. He tries the doors on the west wall to see if they're locked. If not, he stealthily peeks in, wary of any danger that may lurk on the other side.
stealth to peek in unlocked doors: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
perception for peeking: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
with a stealth like that, these doors must be really squeaky.